Christmas Island
About Christmas Island
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Flying Fish Cove (The Settlement) |
Christmas Island is located in Southeast Asia, south of Indonesia and approximately 1,550 km north-west of Australia. This small island has an estimated population of 2,200 inhabitants (2016); the majority live on the northern tip of the island. Around two-thirds of the island’s population are Malaysian Chinese. Christmas Island is an Australian non-self-governing territory. The chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by the Australian governor-general. An administrator is the head of the government of Christmas Island.
The island is named for the day it was discovered, Christmas Day 1643. In 1888 it was settled by the British. At the end of the Second World War, it became part of the new British colony of Singapore and then, later, as a separate British colony. In 1958, it was transferred to Australian jurisdiction.
The island is home to diverse wildlife including a wide variety of snail, butterfly, moth, beetle, spider, scorpion and crab species. The red crabs on Christmas Island are especially important to the island’s unique rainforests as they help to maintain them. Christmas Island’s biodiversity is protected with a National Park which makes up nearly two-thirds of the island.
Due to its location, Christmas Island experiences a tropical climate with both rainy (December to April) and dry (April to December) seasons and an average yearly temperature of approximately 27ºC.
Recommended Vaccinations For Christmas Island
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no yellow fever risk, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (except Galapagos Islands in Ecuador) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the same exceptions as mentioned above).
Recommended Medications For Christmas Island
There are no recommendations for Christmas Island at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Christmas Island
For Most Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever may occur in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Yellow Fever
There is no yellow fever risk, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (except Galapagos Islands in Ecuador) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the same exceptions as mentioned above).
Safety & Security in Christmas Island
Personal Safety
Most visits to Christmas Island are trouble-free. Nevertheless, travelers should exercise caution when hiking. For your safety, and to avoid getting lost, walk on roads or marked trails only. Never walk alone. Follow directions from park rangers. Wear proper footwear and clothing. Bring plenty of water with you. Keep away from sea cliffs.
Exercise caution when swimming in the ocean as large waves and strong currents can be dangerous, especially during monsoon season (October - February). Swimming is only recommended at Flying Fish Cove. There have been occasional sighting of sharks off the coast of Christmas Island, however, there have been no reported attacks.
Exercise caution while driving, especially in the national park where road conditions may be poor, and roads may be steep and narrow. Take extra care when driving during crab migration season as crabs may be on the roads.
As in Australia, LGBTI activity and same-sex marriage are both legal on Christmas Island.
Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing. Christmas Island has limited medical facilities and, in the case of severe injury or illness, evacuation may be required.
